KMBC 9 Storytellers

Dalton Grant was 11-years-old when he and his mother found themselves trapped in the wreckage of 1981's Hyatt skywalks collapse. Their family was attending a dance in the hotel's lobby July 17, 1981 when two suspended walkways collapsed. The disaster remains the worst accidental structural collapse in American history. Dalton's story was part of the recent KMBC Chronicle: "The Skywalk Tapes." In this episode, listeners will hear there's more to his rescue story.

KMBC 9 Executive Producer Cara Doyle joins host Haley Harrison for an in-depth discussion of the people and stories behind the making of the new documentary "The Skywalk Tapes." The hour-long documentary tells the story of the July 17, 1981 skywalks collapse at Kansas City's Hyatt Regency Hotel. It airs July 13, 2021 at 9pm on KMBC and July 17, 2021 (the 40th anniversary of the tragedy) at 8pm on KCWE. Special thanks to Cara Doyle Wright, photojournalists Turner Twyman, Todd Ummelmann, Micheal Mahoney, and News Director Dan O'Donnell.

Mindy Corporon joins Haley for a conversation about her new book, "Healing a Shattered Soul." It's the story of the act of domestic terrorism and hate crime that took the lives of her son, father, and another woman in Overland Park, Kansas in 2014. Haley and Mindy also talk about the fact the shooter died in prison the same day the book was published.

Oscar winner, and KU film professor Kevin Willmott joins Haley for a conversation about Hollywood's reckoning with race. It was six years ago the Academy nominated all white actors. The backlash was swift. #OscarsSoWhite drew attention to the lack of diversity in the movie industry. This week, we're asking what, if anything, has changed since 2015. Willmott talks about the 2021 Oscars, and his upcoming film.

The creators of the new movie "Lotawana" join Haley to talk about becoming the first movie in history sold with NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens). The movie is out later this year and was filmed in Jackson County, Missouri. https://lotawanamovie.com/

The Peace Corps turned 60 on March 1st. 90 year old Kansas Citian Mary Abbott was in the Kennedy administration when the agency was founded. She led its press office. Abbott, now a resident of Bishop Spencer Place, joins Haley to talk about her famous grandfather, and her career in the CIA and at the New York Times. Abbott also shares memories of the beginning of the Peace Corps and Kennedy's assassination. Frank P Walsh: https://pendergastkc.org/article/frank-p-walsh

Anti-Asian sentiment appears to be rising during the pandemic. Reports of harassment, vandalism, and violence against Asian Americans are on the rise, according to the group Stop AAPI Hate. KMBC 9's Bianca Beltran joins Haley this week. They discuss Bianca's interview with Kansas City's JiaoJiao Shen, who says the rising xenophobia is painful. Stop AAPI Hate: https://stopaapihate.org/

NASA scientist Roger Wiens joined Haley the day before the new Perseverance rover landed on Mars. It's the first rover to land on the red planet since Curiosity in 2012. They discussed several challenges unique to this mission, the new data we're going to hear, and the next steps in exploring Mars. Follow the mission on Twitter @NASAPerseverance

Blue Springs native Khalil Davis will be playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl 55. This week, we talk to Khalil, his parents, and high school coach about his rise from foster care to the NFL. It's a story he shares with his twin brother Carlos, who plays for the Steelers. Both men made it to the postseason in their rookie seasons in the NFL.

Longtime KMBC 9 anchor Larry Moore continues the beloved Christmas tradition of reading "'The Night Before Christmas." It started in 1984 with the children of KMBC employees and continues in 2020. Happy holidays. Thank you for listening to this podcast. Episodes will resume in January 2021.

People who suffer "Post-Covid Syndrome," or so-called "Long Haulers," are being studied by doctors. The medical field is trying to learn more about why their symptoms linger for weeks or months after diagnosis. This week, Haley talks with 35 year old Derick Cunigan, a Kansas City musician, who's still on oxygen two months after his diagnosis.

The Evergy Plaza Lighting Ceremony is Thanksgiving night, and if you've ever looked at the 80 miles of lights in awe, you have Matt Deardorff and two other electricians to thank. They're the unsung heroes of Kansas City's favorite holiday tradition. Their work starts in August each year and continues for much of the year. Kelly Eckerman joins Haley this week as co-host to discuss her interview with Deardorff. Watch Kelly's story: https://www.kmbc.com/article/electricians-overseeing-plaza-lights-are-focused-on-the-job-at-hand/34718743

Kris Ketz joins Haley this week to discuss the sudden popularity of ultra-cold storage freezers. It follows news Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine candidate needs to be stored at -94 degrees Fahrenheit. Freezers operating that cold are uncommon. Ketz got to look inside a facility in Kansas City that has 10 ultra-cold storage freezers. It's exact location is secret, but wherever it is, it may become essential to distributing the vaccine in the Metro and beyond. See the storage facility: https://www.kmbc.com/article/mriglobal-in-kc-has-ultra-cold-freezers-for-storing-vaccines/34706344

American women made huge strides in 2020. They also suffered major setbacks, professionally. As the economic fallout of the pandemic continues, women are leaving the workforce at alarming rates. United WE is out with it's "Status of Women in Missouri" report. It looks at the gender pay gap, family leave, women in government, and yes, the impact of the pandemic on women. Read it here: https://united-we.org/status-of-women-2020

This is your guide to the 2020 general election, which is already setting new records. We're talking to Johnson County, Kansas Election Commissioner Connie Schmidt. Schmidt is expecting an unprecedented 80% voter turnout. Join us to hear her predictions for what we'll know and when on election night. Schmidt also takes us behind the scenes at the election office in the days leading up to the November 3rd election. kmbc.com/commitment2020

Working from home have you eyeing projects around the house? You're not alone. There's a renovation boom. HGTV's Tamara Day joins Haley this week to talk about the trend, and the projects she's tackling at her own home, which are featured in new episodes (airing Monday nights starting November 9th) of her show, "Bargain Mansions." "Why Americans Have Turned to Nesting," The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2020/11/fluffing-your-own-nest/616469/ Bargain Mansions on HGTV: https://www.hgtv.com/shows/bargain-mansions

A popular Lawrence diner has been serving free meals each weekday. The Ladybird Diner remains closed but continues serving up to 200 meals each weekday. Donations are drying up, but owner Meg Heriford has a plan. It may be the end of her restaurant, but she's okay with that if it means she can help feed her community. Order Heriford's new book, "Ladybird, Collected," for $24.99. The proceeds will go toward continuing the free community meals. https://ladybirddiner.com/product/ladybird-collected/ Order pies: https://www.ladybirddiner.menu/

Lead to Read KC is a childhood literacy program that pairs 1200 urban 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders with adult reading mentors every year. During the pandemic, the program is online. This week, we're talking about the link between 3rd grade literacy and the crime rate. We're also talking with a Kansas City Public Librarian about some of her favorite diverse books. Lead to Read KC: https://www.leadtoreadkc.org/ - "Get Schooled" virtual fundraiser: https://one.bidpal.net/getschooled/welcome - How to volunteer: https://www.leadtoreadkc.org/volunteer KCPL Story time: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSyFKV5r6d408KJCC3DqwHw

A new memorial to the nation's 34th president, Dwight D. Eisenhower, has just opened near the National Mall in D.C. This week, we chat about the Kansas native's contributions to American history with Eisenhower Presidential Museum and Library director, Dawn Hammatt. To see pictures and learn more, click here: https://eisenhowermemorial.gov/

She was chief of staff to former Kansas City Mayor Sly James. She's a political strategist and consultant. Now, Joni Wickham is adding "author" to her resume. "The Thin Line Between Cupcake and Bitch: Taking Action, Driving Change, Getting Results," is about women in the workplace. Although about women, Wickham says she hopes men and women read the book. In it, she tells the story of her humble beginnings in North Carolina, as the daughter of a teenage mother. She shares lessons for professional women and men about gender bias in the workplace. Her stories take readers from city hall to the boardroom. Buy Wickham's book at Barnes and Noble or Amazon. B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-thin-line-between-cupcake-and-bitch-joni-wickham/1136391282?ean=9781732344785 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Thin-Line-Between-Cupcake-Bitch/dp/1732344787/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+thin+line+between+cupcake+and+bitch&qid=1584112353&sr=8-1

The 19th Amendment was ratified 100 years ago this week. In this episode, we bring you bonus material from our Chronicle: "Pioneers. Patriots. Trailblazers." Hear more from our interview with former US senator Nancy Kassebaum Baker. She reveals what it was really like being the only woman in the chamber for two years, and tells Haley about the issue that drew the ugliest phone calls from constituents. Then, a look at the ways black women (and men) were kept from voting even after the 15th and 19th Amendments.

KMBC Chronicle: Pioneers. Patriots. Trailblazers. airs on KMBC Tuesday, August 18th at 7pm. In this episode, Haley sits down with Executive Producer Cara Doyle for a behind-the-scenes look at the project, which is 18 months in the making. You'll hear clips from the upcoming hour-long documentary about the pioneering women of Kansas and their role in the suffrage movement. This Chronicle is produced by an all-female team here at KMBC.

A pair of Covid-19 survivors are issuing a warning about the virus. One is 75, one is a 41 year old father. Both spent weeks in the hospital, some of that time on ventilators. This week, we catch up with Anil Gharmalker and Jay McKell, who have survived the virus.

KCMO Health Director Dr. Rex Archer describes a backlog in testing as testing increases. KMBC 9's Emily Holwick joins Haley to explain what's behind the lag in reporting results and why the delay is dangerous. Emily also asked Dr. Archer about a recent political tweet that drew calls for his resignation. John's Hopkins Covid-19 Tracker https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html

In Parsons, Kansas, Gilbert Baker is gaining recognition. Worldwide, his work is famous. Baker created the LGBTQ Rainbow Flag, a symbol of the gay rights movement. Baker hadn't lived in Parsons for decades preceding his death in 2017. He grew up in the small Kansas town but left after high school. In 2020, the city of 10,000 people is looking for ways to possibly recognize this famous native son.

On June 15, 2020, the US Supreme Court ruled to extend workplace discrimination protections to gay and transgender Americans. A Grain Valley, Missouri native's case was among a few that led to the LGBTQ victory. Sadly, Don Zarda died in 2010. In this episode, I talk to Don's sister, Melissa.

Pastor Cassandra Wainright, president of the Concerned Clergy Coalition of KC joins Haley for a continuing discussion about racial inequality in Kansas City.

Rose Simmons lost her father in the 2015 Charleston church massacre that killed 9 black parishioners at Mother Emanuel AME Church. Kansas City Police invited her to town to deliver her message of forgiveness in 2019. This week, she joins Haley to talk about the anger in America over the death of George Floyd and where we go from here.

A year after the May 28, 2019 EF4 Linwood Tornado, many communities are still rebuilding. In this episode, we revisit Pendleton's Country Market outside Lawrence, Kansas to learn about the rebuilding that continues. Haley talks with owner John Pendleton about what lies ahead for the business that's been in the family for 70 years. https://www.pendletons.com/

Politics may have played a role in increasing the death toll during the 1918 Influenza pandemic in Kansas City, Missouri. Retired UMKC medical librarian and R.N. Susan Sykes Berry joins Haley to explain the city's "dysfunctional" response to the pandemic due to its political boss system.

In the second part in our series on the 1918 influenza pandemic, we look at correspondence from General Leonard Wood at Camp Funston, Fort Riley. There were thousands of men who were sickened at the camp. His letters detail some of the struggles to care for the ill, while keeping out loved ones who rushed to help. Haley talks to KSU medical history professor Heather McCrea, who walks us through the parallels between what was happening with the disease 102 years ago, and the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020.

This is the first in a series of episodes looking back at the Influenza pandemic of 1918 and its lessons for modern times. Historian Bill Sellers of the National History Academy joins Haley in this episode to discuss the outbreak at the Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Missouri in the fall of 1918. Sellers has close family ties to the story. His great-grandfather was in charge of Wentworth when the outbreak began following a parade in town. The episode begins with the obituary of a 17 year old cadet who fell ill and died from complications of the flu in December 1918.

As Kansas nears the peak of Covid-19, Health Secretary Dr. Lee Norman joins Haley this week to discuss everything from his goals for testing to the state's empty PPE warehouse.

A Kansas City design and innovation firm gets to work trying to protect doctors and nurses from Covid-19. Dimensional Innovations CEO Tucker Trotter joins Haley to discuss their projects to deliver PPE to hospitals in the Metro. Open-source face shields: https://dimin.com/face-shield/?nab=1&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bing.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Ddimensional%2Binnovations%2Bface%2Bshield%2Bopen%2Bsource%26form%3DEDGTCT%26qs%3DPF%26cvid%3Dc8a809c4b7a647e7be57648101456db4%26refig%3D6030773afe48405eb5ac9164510fa79a%26cc%3DUS%26setlang%3Den-US%26plvar%3D0

A Kansas nurse volunteers in a New York hospital, fighting Covid-19. Now, she's back and talking with us about the grim realities medical workers are facing. Hanna Crosby also shares her plea for listeners in Kansas and Missouri.

Plenty of industries are hurting with the economy essentially shut down, even "recession-proof" businesses like distilleries. KC's J. Rieger & Co. switched its business model in a couple of days to start cranking out thousands of gallons of hand sanitizer. The lines for bottles stretched two miles on March 19th. Still, it's barely enough to keep the lights on and as J. Rieger president Andy Rieger says, the ongoing pandemic is about to force some difficult choices. https://www.jriegerco.com/

Doctors know the coronavirus emerged in a market in Wuhan, China. Today, we're looking back at another epidemic that is believed to have killed 50 million people worldwide: the 1918 Influenza pandemic. Many historians and scientists have traced the origins of that disease to Haskell County, Kansas and/or modern-day Ft. Riley, near Manhattan, Kansas. Kansas State University medical historian Heather McCrea joins Haley to talk about how the epidemic may have started and spread. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/journal-plague-year-180965222/

The Kansas Attorney General announced Lamonte McIntyre will finally receive $1.5 million in compensation for spending 23 years in prison for a double murder he did not commit. This step means the state will also finally expunge McIntyre's record, more than two years after he was released from prison. This week, an interview with McIntyre on what helped him work through his anger as a young man serving a life sentence, and what he still struggles with today.

On February 10, 2020, the city discovered an animal hoarding situation in an east Kansas City duplex. An estimated 300 rats, guinea pigs, geckos, rabbits, and other small animals were living in cages inside one of the two units. Reporter Bianca Beltran interviewed the owner, a neighbor, and animal advocates about the case. She joins Haley to explain the connection between this case and issues of mental health, housing, and city ordinances. On February 13, 2020, after the recording of this podcast, the city charged Mikabel Montero and Natasha Acosta with three counts of animal cruelty in the case. See Bianca's original report here: https://www.kmbc.com/article/more-than-200-animals-found-inside-kansas-city-home-in-deplorable-conditions-john-baccala-kansas-city-missouri/30856869

The Kansas City Chiefs are in the Super Bowl for the first time in 50 years. This week, we're talking to KMBC reporter Matt Flener, who is in Miami, about everything from a $100,000 Airbnb, to the athletes' reactions to Kobe Bryant's death. Matt also tells us about his interview with two of the children of the late Derrick Thomas. Thomas was a Miami native who spent his NFL career with the Chiefs before his death in 2000. See Matt's story: https://www.kmbc.com/article/derrick-thomas-children-thrilled-chiefs-in-super-bowl/30682489

Joe Horrigan is considered the foremost professional football historian. He also knew Lamar Hunt and writes about the Chiefs founder in his new book, "NFL Century: The One-Hundred-Year Rise of America's Greatest Sports League." Horrigan recently retired as executive director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He joins Haley on the phone from his home in Canton, Ohio. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/592291/nfl-century-by-joe-horrigan/

The Kansas City Chiefs are headed to the AFC Championship. It's the second consecutive year the team has fought for the Lamar Hunt Trophy. To get to the Super Bowl for the first time in 50 years, the Chiefs will have to get through the Tennessee Titans. KMBC 9 Sports Director Len Jennings is joining Haley on the pod to talk about what the Chiefs have learned from their November 2019 loss to the Titans. We also discuss Derrick Henry, the Chiefs comeback win in the AFC divisional round, and who helped Travis Kelce mature.

#KCRW2020! Kansas City Restaurant Week has a record number of restaurants participating in 2020. All 220 restaurants will offer $15 lunch and $35 dinner menus from January 10-19th. 10% of the proceeds benefit three local charities, including the Don Bosco Centers. The Restaurant Association's scholarships and Visit KC's foundation also benefit. This week David Lopez, owner of Manny's and VP of the Greater KC Restaurant Association, and Mo Orpin, executive director of the Don Bosco Centers, join Haley to talk about food, the challenging restaurant industry and charity. KCRestaurantWeek.com

This week, Haley looks at the history of two beloved Kansas City Christmas traditions. First, Larry Moore's annual reading of "Twas the Night Before Christmas," which started in 1984. Then, former Kansas City police officer Richard White stops by to discuss his 43rd annual Senior Citizen's Christmas Dinner, which is open to people 60 and older. To make a reservation for the meal, call (816) 572-2646 until December 20th. The dinner is from noon to 1:30pm Christmas Day at three locations: 1. St. Peter's Elementary School, 6400 Charlotte, KCMO 2. Solid Rock Bible Church, 2501 NE 39th St., KCMO 3. Blue Springs Christian Church, 7920 MO-7 Highway, Blue Springs

84% of women say they've been harassed while on a run, according to a survey by Runner's World. The magazine has teamed up with Women's Health magazine to create Runners Alliance, empowering women runners with safety tools and information. Kansas City, Missouri native and Women's Health's editor-in-chief Liz Plosser joins Haley to talk about Runners Alliance. The conversation includes helpful advice and tips for male and female runners. Liz also shares her favorite running route through KC. *Hearst owns KMBC, Women's Health, and Runner's World. Women's Health: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a29329063/runners-alliance/ Runner's World: https://www.runnersworld.com/runnersalliance/

The Osborn Wind Project is a collection of 97 wind turbines mostly in Dekalb County, Missouri and it's driven a wedge into the community. The resulting feud has been compared to the Civil War and the infamous battle between the Hafield and McCoy families. KMBC photojournalist Bret Elliott and Investigative Reporter Matt Flener join Haley to discuss their upcoming documentary on the subject, airing Monday, December 9th at 9pm. Watch the preview: https://www.kmbc.com/article/coming-up-on-kmbc-chronicle-the-osborn-wind-project/30088652

She used to carry signs announcing God's "hate" for the LGBTQ community and others but now Megan Phelps-Roper delivers a message of hope in her new book, "Unfollow." Lara Moritz joins Haley to explain why Phelps-Roper left her family's infamous church in Topeka in 2012. Lara's interview with Phelps-Roper: https://www.kmbc.com/article/megan-phelps-roper-talks-about-leaving-westboro-baptist-church/29965262

September 2, 1945: The USS Missouri was a central part of that historic day, witnessing the end of World War II. Ahead of the 75th anniversary of the end of the war, in 2020, Mike Carr, president and CEO of the Battleship Missouri Memorial in Pearl Harbor, joins Haley to talk about the commemoration events planned for next year. Carr also explains how Missouri's own President Harry S. Truman ensured that Japan's surrender would take place on board the "Mighty Mo." USS Missouri 2020 events: https://ussmissouri.org/salute75?_ga=2.191096618.1009227664.1574214283-130065436.1573676859 Teak commemorative items: https://ussmissouri.org/store/ussm/products/category/authentic-uss-missouri-teak

"I don't think we have to live like this," said Hadiyah Muhammad, a tenant at Kansas City's Nob Hill Apartments. For months, Investigative reporter Matt Flener has been digging into allegations of black mold, water damage, roaches, and other health and safety issues at low-income apartments owned by T.E.H. Realty. Wilson Vance from KC Tenants also joins us to discuss complaints about the property owners and the Tenant Bill of Rights making its way through City Hall in Kansas City, Missouri. KC Tenants summary of the Tenant Bill of Rights: https://kctenants.org/img/uploads/kc-tenants-bill-of-rights-executive-summary-1-.pdf Report apartment problems to the KMBC Investigates team: https://www.kmbc.com/article/have-trouble-with-your-apartment-kansas-city-missouri-submit-tips-to-kmbc-9-investigates/28414732

This week is an update to Episode 28, “Independence Witness Tree.” Pieces of an historic tree in Independence, Missouri have been turned into works of art that will eventually be sold to benefit the Jackson County Historical Society. Larry Smith from L&K Hardwoods joins Haley in studio to talk about the latest in this story that has ties to the Civil War. See photos of the items Gary Strobel created: https://www.facebook.com/HaleyHarrisonKMBC/posts/1156918231179811?__xts__[0]=68.ARBIuCAtHW0uNIIjiRZT2UIhB_5PLJdhZcMM1Bsiih90yDi3nTumWXyFg0a1dWw-NzLSt3nMvIyP6bwFCX6L-FFuD1OWqXCADPAEfhx6GgQcClEPNvLwCVfOmw-cVF2apDPf8yd_4eWw6_u3uvBkcAfh44nDjAYYFoiXp9nISmrTiXxXDbffNQtOPjllLvFgL3l86TAb69TyeAwSD2zfxMZKTLiBrAD79X3D59Jq2um0JQ42gSkSEz_3REf3thaJ92lgKIXp2lHBOLRE4h6h7s3iWDSDf3T8ZiOW-ZzjFrrX9Ky7jwcMj22LOO2RkYr5I8YK08vtVNsMYE9Ofeg7TXsekA&__tn__=-R Gary Strobel's Civil War Witness Pens https://civilwarwitnesspens.com/   L&K Hardwoods https://www.facebook.com/lkhardwoods/   Jackson County Historical Society https://www.facebook.com/jchs.org/

Job candidates have new rights because of a new ordinance in Kansas City, Missouri. It takes effect October 31, 2019. Employers can no longer ask an applicant their salary history. It's an effort to address the gender pay gap. Women in Kansas City currently make 79 cents for every dollar a man makes…on average. The gap is wider for minority women. The Women's Foundation president and CEO, Wendy Doyle joins Haley to explain how the pay gap can follow a woman throughout her career, and how men can help women achieve fair pay. More on KCMO's new ordinance: http://www.womens-foundation.org/news/2019/10/30/kansas-citys-new-salary-history-ban-to-combat-the-pay-gap-will-take-effect-on-october-31stnbsp Scary Truths About the Wage Gap: http://www.womens-foundation.org/news/2019/10/16/scary-truths-about-the-wage-gap AAUW salary negotiation: https://salary.aauw.org Other cities with salary history bans: https://www.hrdive.com/news/salary-history-ban-states-list/516662/